Resources for Health Care Providers
Every health care provider can help mitigate the spread of viruses, including COVID-19. Find resources below, and let us know if you have questions.
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Provider Advisories
Public Health issues time-sensitive public health updates to health care providers. See the most recent advisories below.
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California Health Alert Network (CAHAN)
CAHAN is California’s web-based information and communications system for distributing health alerts, disseminating treatment and guidelines, coordinating disease investigation efforts, preparedness planning, and other initiatives that strengthen state and local preparedness.
Visit website
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COVID-19 Treatments
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Questions about prescribing treatment? California health care providers can now call the COVID-19 Therapeutics Warmline at (866) 268-4322 (COVID-CA) to receive free, real-time, confidential consultation on COVID-19 testing and treatment. Available Monday – Friday, 6 am – 5 pm; managed by the UCSF National Clinician Consultation Center.
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Many patients with COVID-19 can recover at home without prescription treatment. But for some people who have certain health conditions or who are aged 50 and older, prescription treatment may be an important help.
Currently, health care providers in SLO County are encouraged to prescribe treatment of SARS-CoV-2 for any eligible individual (patients infected with COVID-19 of ages 50+ or any age with health conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19). As of February 1, the FDA updated their EUAs of Paxlovid and Lagevrio (Molnupiravir) to remove the requirement for a positive SARS-CoV-2 test to reduce barriers for timely prescribing and dispensing of COVID-19 treatment.
Treatment within the first 24-48 hours of symptom onset is ideal. Encourage your patients to test for COVID-19 early (at the first symptoms) and five days after a known exposure or large gathering.
See COVID-19 Treatments
NIH has released treatment guidelines for the therapeutic management of non-hospitalized adults with COVID-19. It includes several options:
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Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir tablets and ritonavir tablets), is the #1 recommended treatment right now. Studies show it’s highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death when started early. It is in ample supply at multiple pharmacies across SLO County and through Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHC). See a list of pharmacies at slopublichealth.org/treatment. See the FDA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers. Or, see the Paxlovid Eligibility and Effectiveness Information Sheet.
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Remdesivir is the only COVID-19 medication treatment option for individuals less than 12 years of age. This intravenous medication is currently in adequate supply, and health care providers may order it directly from an authorized distributor. In addition to hospital settings, it may now be provided in skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare settings and outpatient facilities such as infusion centers. The Public Health Department can provide technical assistance to providers who wish to begin administering this medication to outpatients. |
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Lagevrio (molnupiravir capsules) has received emergency use authorization for people at high risk for severe illness for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate. See the FDA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers. Or, see the Lagevrio (Molnupiravir) Eligibility and Effectiveness Information Sheet .
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In the event of logistical constraints or low treatment supply, providers may follow guidelines from the National Institutes of Health COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines for Patient Prioritization for non-hospitalized patients.
The FDA has also recently granted EUA for a monoclonal antibody for critically ill hospitalized patients:
Where to find COVID-19 treatments locally:
Telehealth COVID-19 treatment service for Californians:
Patients who don't have health insurance or aren't able to see their regular health care provider within 24 hours can see a doctor at no cost via telehealth (computer, cell phone, or landline). This program from the State of California is for people who have tested positive and have symptoms. To make an appointment, patients may visit sesamecare.com/covidca or call 833-686-5051.
For more information about treatments:
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COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Testing for Patients. Please visit slopublichealth.org/testing for resources, including no-cost COVID-19 test kits.
COVID-19 Testing for Medical Providers. Please use the COVID-19 Testing Referral Form to request testing for medical providers in SLO County.
Outbreak Response Testing and Other Testing Support. For consultation regarding response to an outbreak, please contact [email protected] or call 805-781-5500. For questions regarding testing support and supplies, please contact [email protected].
Find COVID-19 Testing
Reporting
Please use the COVID-19 Confidential Morbidity Report to report a case of COVID-19.
Report a COVID-19 Case
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Isolation and Quarantine
Providers may refer to isolation and quarantine guidance when advising patients on their isolation and quarantine requirements and duration.
See Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
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Additional Resources for You and Your Patients
Print Resources for Your Practice
Below are some print resources to communicate information about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine. Below you will find ready-to-use resources that can be shared with the populations you work with. Not seeing the information that you need? Contact us and let us know!
More Resources
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Vaccines
Vaccines continue to be the best line of defense against COVID-19 and CDC recommends everyone six months and older get a COVID-19 Vaccine. There is a great deal of reassuring data on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
See CDPH Vaccination Guidance
Bridge Access Program COVID-19 vaccines are available through https://mycavax.cdph.ca.gov/. Vaccines For Children COVID-19 vaccines are available through https://eziz.org/myvfcvaccines/.
To learn more about the commercialization of COVID-19 vaccines, see Commercialiation at a Glance, COVID-19 Vaccine Commercialization FAQs, or the HHS Commercialization Transition Guide.
Vaccine Updates
Vaccine schedules
More Vaccine Resources:
How to Become a Bridge Access Program Provider
SLO Public Health can provide an in-person enrollment coach, if needed, to walk you through each step of the myCAvax enrollment process. We can also provide your clinic with technical assistance and staff training on vaccine storage and handling.
Contact us if you would like to receive this technical assistance; it is provided at no cost.
Resources
Importance
Healthcare personnel of all types can have a powerful influence on their families and communities, which is why it’s critical to be well-informed about COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine confidence and uptake among your staff is also important for the health of your patients, coworkers, and community. The following communication resources are specifically designed for engaging health care personnel.
How We Can Help
SLO Public Health is available to come to your office to discuss COVID-19 vaccines with your staff and to answer their questions in a friendly and non-judgmental way. We can also provide you with print materials, such as posters and handouts (see below). Contact us if you would like our free assistance.
Healthcare providers play a critical role in helping inform and educate patients about COVID-19 vaccination and assuring them that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
Your strong recommendation is key. Your answers to questions matter and will help patients make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccination.
Fact Sheets
How We Can Help
SLO Public Health can provide you with printed patient handouts and posters for your clinic. Contact us to request resources.
Sharing your own personal thoughts and experience with the COVID-19 vaccine is impactful for the people in your care and the community as a whole. We encourage you to share your insight at community events or via local media.
Include one of our video PSAs about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines or what to expect at your vaccine appointment in your next newsletter. Offer to answer questions about the vaccines, or direct them to our FAQ page.
How We Can Help
Feel free to share our content and resources (social media, educational materials, flyers, etc.) Contact us if you would like print materials or other free assistance.